Ready to take the next step in your modelling career and pose for a brand that has built a reputation for unconventional style and catwalk shows curated to grab headlines?
Luxury fashion house Balenciaga has worked with the likes of Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian, as well as actors including Isabelle Huppert, Nicole Kidman, and Naomi Watts. But you don’t have to be a household name to pose with its products; the brand also works with emerging models and even non-models for its photo shoots and runway shows.
Want to join the talent on its books? Whether you are just starting out as a model or you’re looking to turbocharge your career by modelling for brands, read on for a primer.
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If you’re not familiar with the label, start by exploring Balenciaga’s socials to understand its current aesthetic and the type of models it uses.
As with any other type of modelling you pursue, there are a number of key methods to help give you the edge in your Balenciaga model application.
1. Curate a strong portfolio.
Develop a portfolio of high-quality photos that highlight a good camera presence and a variety of poses. Do your research on Balenciaga’s past campaigns to see what you may need to emulate, since the luxury label tends to seek models who can demonstrate strong editorial and runway prestige that complements its unique high-end style.
Even if you are new to modelling, you need to show you are comfortable and versatile in front of the camera. Gain some experience through other types of modelling, finding collaborators to do TFP shoots with, and applying to smaller casting calls.
2. Secure agency representation.
Balenciaga model casting is highly competitive, so give yourself an advantage by signing with a reputable modelling agency and attending any of their casting calls.
Research agencies that work with major luxury brands. One agency connected to Balenciaga is Tomorrow Is Another Day. Its founder, Eva Gödel, worked as an independent scout for the label’s past creative director, Demna Gvasalia.
3. Tap up casting directors and apply to the company directly.
Balenciaga typically uses casting directors and talent scouts rather than casting websites to find models.
Be wary of any social media posts or ads that seem too good to be true. If you pursue any online casting calls, do your homework to make sure they’re legitimate. And remember: Reputable agencies will never charge up-front fees.
Another avenue to look at could be seeking out non-modelling roles at Balenciaga and applying through its general careers page. It’s an opportunity to meet influential people in the business.
4. Build an online presence.
Some labels and agencies still scout on the streets, but many models are discovered online. It’s important to grow a social media presence and engage with your audience while also knowing how to market yourself as a brand.
Take a look at Balenciaga models’ accounts to see how they promote themselves and build a following. You can easily find who’s been hired by the label through the models that are tagged in its Instagram posts, such as Minttu Vesala. Their bios often will include which agencies they are signed with, which will give you a good indication of the type of agencies to apply to for representation.
The label has built a reputation for seeking unconventional modelling talent, mainly due to previous creative director Gvasalia and his experimental approach to design, which cleverly blurs haute couture and streetwear.
His work made both a bold statement and social commentary, whether it was having celebrities and models alike walk a runway set up as a muddy sludge pit for Paris Fashion Week, having Simpsons characters on the catwalk, or exploring the metaverse with a digitally rendered modelling campaign.
With new creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, both the brand’s design and type of models is going in a slightly different direction. Piccioli’s debut collection and brand campaign provides an idea of the emerging style and his approach.
Credit: TY Lim/Shutterstock
Talent used for Piccioli’s fall 2026 collection includes a mix of actors, artists, musicians, and straight-up models, such as Laufey, Sarah Catherine Hook, Tariq Loo, Bai Ruien, Mona Tougaard, and Sandra Murray.
Further models who have featured in the label’s campaigns and runway shows include Eliza Douglas, Kit Butler, Jane Moseley, and Inti Wang.
With Gvasalia at the helm, there were unexpected casting choices and bold steps taken to improve diversity, partly in response to criticism for how it cast and treated models.
Gvasalia built a reputation for casting models inspired by faces seen in everyday life, leaning into their unique style, personalities, and life stories. Those models include Junoso Sonja, the only active model with Parkinson’s disease; older models such as Ursula Wångander and the late Danielle Slavik, who originally modelled for the brand’s founder; and non-models such as artist Jane Moseley, K-pop singer Juyeon, and football player Eduardo Camavinga.
French musician Yseult became the first plus-size model to walk a Balenciaga runway. She created her own opportunity, by directly messaging Balenciaga’s CEO, Cedric Charbit, who introduced her to Gvasalia.
Painter and musician Eliza Douglas, who initially faced rejection in the industry, ended up being cast (through a mutual contact) by Balenciaga for being her authentic self – older, physically bigger, muscular, and more androgynous-looking than the expected high-fashion model – typifying the interesting characters Gvasalia cast in shows.
It’s another lesson that it’s not just about being the obvious, classic beauty, but having personality and being able to express it in front of the camera. You also need persistence, strategy, and a good approach to building connections to succeed in modelling.
What will make you stand out as a model, whether it’s to Balenciaga or other labels, is a distinctly personal look and an understanding of a specific label’s style and values. That will give you an idea of how to work with them and give yourself the best chance of being hired.